On November 2, 2012 the Roseville Civic Center will present "Metamorphosis" which is one of the largest solo art shows to take place at the center. A display of up to 36 works by upcoming photo-digital artist Susan Raines will turn the administrative building into a two month contemporary classic art gallery in their endeavor to promote the arts. Employees at the Civic Center, who are typically among the first to appreciate the rotating exhibits, have expressed their enjoyment and gratitude to volunteer Katie Curler who  has curated and hung monthly exhibits with the assistance of other volunteers who put up and take down art for each exhibit rotation.

Previous shows at the Roseville Civic Center have included collections from art groups, various local artists, a railroad presentation, and an anniversary celebration with City of Roseville images. "Metamorphosis" will run from Nov. 2 through Dec. 21, 2012 during regular operating hours Monday through Friday. The center does not offer an art opening reception or evening hours which does make it more difficult for the general public to attend the exhibit. However, with the extended show period more opportunities are at hand to make a visit to see the art on display. The building was renovated and expanded in 2002 as part of Roseville's efforts to give a new face to the city while also preserving its history. The final results for the Civic Center are a more user-friendly facility that is not only beautiful but also an ideal visual arts forum.

Susan Raines' exhibit will include a variety of abstracts, altered landscapes and collages that are unique in style and approach. She says of her artwork, "Although I may use Photo-Shop effects, I never merely apply one effect on one photo and call it art. My style of altering photos is unique in my drive to create something different each time. I may use bits and pieces of photographs taken with the intent of adding texture, color, and shape to my art. Sometimes I know what I want to create and at other times it’s a process of working out what has inspired me in an image and letting it guide me to develop something related but entirely new.”

Raines also says, "My mind is somewhat restless so I have a drive to keep creating different images in different styles. The peace and fulfillment I find in photography and creating my art is something I want to share with the world. It brings out the best in me. There are two steps in my photographic art.  The first is the act of actual photography that puts me in an entirely different mode than what I usually project in the normal social setting. I believe the photographer is the real me and the other me is a somewhat inept mask. The second step is the process of turning my photographs into photo-digital art and this can take far longer than the initial photography. The final results are often bold with many layers but I also do moodier and darker work. I like to create images that make people feel good as well as give them something to think about or a new way of seeing the world."

The body of work selected for exhibit in "Metamorphosis" at the Roseville Civic Center are representative of how Raines' morphs and transforms common photographed images into new expressions of art. Her perspective is unique and fresh despite the growing prevalence of digitally altered photography. The final result is not about the editing techniques so much as the variety of choices and how the edits and photographs are brought together to create a unique statement. According to curator Katie Curler, "Raines' artworks morph right in front of you, causing you to look, then look again."

Raines is a self-taught artist and photographer and was educated at California State University Sacramento, where she received her baccalaureate in English. She is currently a freelance journalist, covering local events and the arts, and has participated in over twenty exhibitions in Roseville, Sacramento, and Woodland, as well the televised KVIE Art Auction.

The Roseville Civic Center is located at 311 Vernon Street, Roseville, CA 95678. Hours of operation are: Monday-Thursday 7:30am-5:30pm and Friday 8am-5pm. "Metamorphosis" will be on display Nov. 2 through Dec. 21, 2012. For more information, you can email Susan at Rainesphotos@surewest.net. You can find Raines' YoloArts listing here and Roseville Arts/Blue Line Gallery listing here. Other upcoming exhibits of Raines' work include solo shows at Woodland's Wild Wings golf club in Feb. 2013, Sacramento's Shine in May 2013, and group shows at Kennedy Gallery, Blue Line Gallery, and others.